Keystone Lake Guide

A guide to the communities and people of Keystone Lake

Underwater Towns World record fish Area Map

Thank you for your curiosity.

We hope you enjoy reading this first-edition guide to Keystone Lake as much as we did creating it.

The publication of this guide was only possible through the trust and support of area businesses that appear on these pages. Support them. They’re lake people like you.

Consider yourself warned, you can’t spend much time in the Mannford area before Keystone Lake draws you in.

Our journey into the lake region began when we started reporting Mannford news and covering Pirate sports in The Gusher newspaper. The welcome we received from the area business community and our readers was amazing.

We became part of an extended family.

Who are we? We are a husband and wife duo who own The Gusher in Mannford and Drumright, the Yale News and the Cushing Citizen newspapers. We live in the Cimarron Valley. Our amazing staff lives in the Cimarron Valley. We’re lake people. All of us. We boat, we fish and we have a deep-seated appreciation for sand, sunscreen and soul-soothing days on the water.

A few years ago, we launched the boat on Keystone and began to explore. We were instantly hooked.

It didn’t take long to realize that Keystone is a special place. Each arm of the lake is unique with its own hidden, winding channels; secluded back-water coves, soft sandy beaches, grassy shorelines and steep rocky drops where schools of stripers move like shadows beneath the surface and resident pelicans wing overhead.

As we learned more about the lake, it’s history, and the wonderful people who call this part of the state home, we were compelled to create a comprehensive guide to the incredible Keystone Lake — it’s what we do.

We want to share with visitors the rich history of the people whose towns were swallowed beneath the waves when the dam was built and to share what it might feel like to go paddle fishing with a guide who claimed two world records in a single year.

Enjoy your time at the lake… make memories, make new friends and recharge your soul.

er J. D. & MaryLee Meisn

2

Welcome to

Keystone Lake inside 6 - Recalling the past 8 - Recalling the dam past 10 - The town that moved 14 - The towns that didn’t 17 - A bit about hiking 18 - Where to hike 20 - Not for navigational purposes 22 - Tie off and relax 24 - Stay safe and stay alive 26 - Biggest fish ever 28 - Yogi Bear at Keystone Lake 30 - Fishing the lake 32 - There’s gonna’ be rules 36 - More rules 38 - Happenings 3

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Keystone is a publication of Cimarron Valley Communications, LLC

P. O. B ox 910, Cushing, Oklahoma 74875

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ublisher J.D. Meisner publisher@cushingcitizen.com dvertising Afton Pierce ads@cushingcitizen.com

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History of Keystone K

eystone Lake was named after the community of Keystone, a post office from 1900-1962. The name stems from the circumstance that the original site, inundated by the waters of the lake, was in a key position at the junction of the Cimarron and Arkansas Rivers. The former town sites of Mannford, Prue, Appalachia, and part of Osage also were abandoned because they were in the lake area.

Mannford, which took its name from Mann’s Ford across the Cimarron River adjoining the town site, was relocated southward and Prue northward out of reach of the lake water. At Cleveland, established shortly after the opening of the Cherokee Strip in 1893, the Corps of Engineers protected low-lying areas with a levee that rims the south and east sides of the city. In the old days the Triangle Country - the land between the Arkansas and the Cimarron - was full of wild game such as buffalo, deer, bear and turkey. The Osage Reservation was to the north, bordered by the Arkansas River, and the Creek Reservation lay just to the south.

A major American explorer made a journey up the Arkansas River from Fort Smith and into the valley of the Cimarron River in the spring of 1819. He was Thomas Nuttall, a professor of botany at Harvard, who studied the plants and flowers of the region. Washington Irving, noted American writer, and his companion, John Joseph Latrobe, an English traveler who wrote “The Rambler in North America,” visited the country around Keystone Dam in 1832.

They accompanied a detachment of

6

Rangers, mounted infantry from Fort Gibson on a tour of exploration of the western wil book “A Tour on the Prairies,” Irving wrote of their overnight camp in Bear’s Glen about one mile north of the Keystone Dam. Camp Arbuckle was established in 1834 near the Junction of the Cimarron and Arkansas Rivers.

It was one of three outposts established to protect the Leavenworth Expedition that set out in June 1834 for the Wichita Mountains. The object of the expedition was to stop a war that had broken out between Osage and smaller tribes of Plains Indians. Many other famous names are associated with the Keystone area. Captain NathanielBoone, son of Daniel, led troops through here on their way to the High Plains in 1843.

A famous lawman, US Marshall Nix, chased outlaws into the area’s hills and caves.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1950. It was designed by the Tulsa District, U S Army Corps of Engineers, and built under supervision of the Corps. Construction of the dam began in December 1956 and was completed for flood control operation in September 1964.

Commercial operation of the Keystone power plant in the production of electrical energy began in the spring of 1968. A re-regulating dam about 7 miles downstream from the dam was completed in 1968. Cost of overall construction was approximately $123 million.

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History of Keystone Dam T

he Keystone Dam project was a feat of modern engineering that resulted in one of Oklahoma’s most loved lakes. In the period between World War I and World War Il, the government of the United States of America struggled with the Wall Street crash, the ensuing depression, and many natural disasters including the dust bowl at one extreme, and mass floods at the other.

The government had to find solutions to improve the lifestyle of its citizens, which would be no easy task. The towns of Keystone and Mannford, situated on the banks of the Cimarron and Arkansas rivers, knew only too well the issues surrounding flooding.

Downstream, Tulsa had also been met with heavy overspills from the Arkansas as had many other towns on the waterways to the south leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Over the years, the Federal Government embarked on an evaluation of many flood control actions that would help rectify the problem, and a succession of Flood Control Acts were passed by Congress. But the onset of World War Il would see many of these initiatives become delayed or fall by the way side.

Originally, engineers felt that three dams would be necessary to properly control flooding in the area. One at Taft on the Arkansas between Tulsa and Muskogee, one at Mannford on the Cimarron upstream from the Cimarron's junction with the Arkansas and one at Blackburn on the Arkansas upstream from Cleveland.

Mannford was authorized by Congress in 1938 while Taft and Blackburn were authorized in 1946. However, over time these plans were amended and the proposal was put forward to build a dam on the Arkansas downstream from its junction with the Cimarron. The flood control project that was proposed and the building of a dam across the Arkansas River just downstream from where it joined with the Cimarron River seemed the logical option and the most affordable one.

The primary focus was flood control but other lesser benefits to navigation like silt control were evident and leisure activities were seen as supporting criteria. However, the impact on the local area including the inundation of the Oklahoma towns of Mannford, Keystone, Prue, Osage and part of Cleveland as well as area farm and grazing lands raised many objections from local residents.

The final Keystone Dam project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1950.

It was designed by the Tulsa District, U S Army Corps of Engineers, and built under

By Allie Prater

supervision of the Corps.

In December 1956, a groundbreaking ceremony at the north end of the dam site was held. Oklahoma’s Governor Raymond Gary, Senator Robert Kerr and Representative Page Belcher all had their hands on the shovel. Colonel F. J. Wilson, Executive Vice President of the Arkansas Basin Development Association, Gary Vandever, a leading booster of the project and numerous others were in attendance.

In 1957, US Army Corps of Engineers made a working model of the dam at their experiment station near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

In 1958, first construction at the Keystone Dam involved building an office and operating headquarters along the old country Highway 64, which ran west from Sand Springs to Appalachia on the north side of the Arkansas River.

In 1959, the hole was near completion for the foundation of the Keystone Dam. In1960, the first slab of concrete for the spillway section of the dam was poured, a 1,500 foot long concrete block poured on October 15. In 1962, the spillway was nearly completed. The spillway section of the dam is 10 stories high and contains 770,000 cubic yards of concrete. The spillway is a gated, concrete, ogee-weir with a net width of 720 feet, surmounted by eighteen 40 by 35 foot tainter gates.

Spillway capacity at the top of maximum pool (elevation 766.0) is 939,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and at the top of the flood control pool (elevation 754.0) is 565,000 cfs. The spillway is also equipped with nine 5.67 by 10 foot sluices located between alternate intermediate piers. Channel capacity of the Arkansas River below Tulsa, Oklahoma, is about 90,000 cfs.

The powerhouse and power intake structure are located between the spillway and the left non-overflow sections and include two penstocks, each 27 feet in diameter, controlled by two 14- by 30-foot gates.

In 1963, engineers diverted the Arkansas River through the sluices of the spillway section and built an embankment across the river channel. The embankment is constructed of rolled earthfill material. The total length of the dam, including a 1,600-foot-long concrete section, is 4,600 feet. The maximum height is about 121 feet above the streambed. The concrete section consists of a spillway 856 feet wide, a non-overflow section, and a power intake structure.

Highway 151 crosses the dam to connect relocated U.S. Highway 51 on the south with relocated U.S. Highway 64 on the north.

In 1964, except for the power plant, The Keystone dam was completed. Construction was well underway for the four-lane U.S. Highway 64 interchange, only one of many highway relocation jobs connected with the multi-million dollar project.

While there is some discrepancy in documentation on how much the Keystone Dam Project cost in the end, official documents have it ranging anywhere from $123 million to $127 million. In 1968 the power plant was completed and online.

Today, the Keystone Dam generates an average of 34 megawatts of energy every fifteen minutes. According to the USDA, 1 megawatt hour of energy can produce enough electricity to power 164 homes, so the Keystone Dams hydroelectric generators produce enough energy to power 22,304 homes on average!

Dam that’s cool!

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By DeAnna Maddox

T

Resilient Residents

he Flood Control Act of 1950 led to numerous towns being purchased, relocated, or bulldozed, effectively erasing them from maps and minds, to make way for rising water levels created by dams and levees.

The authorization of a $123 million project to create Keystone Dam also came from the passage of this act.

The US Army Corps of Engineers was charged with the task of the reservoir/dam creation and by extension the relocation or decimation of the 14 towns and cities that were entirely or partly in the flood plain. In the initial plans of the USACE it was stated Keystone was to be relocated, Osage partially relocated, and Prue to be purchased – no plans were listed for the Mannford community. Instead, the resilient residents of what is now known as Old Mannford made their own plans.

The residents of Old Mannford were faced with the option to fund the uprooting of their homes and businesses or leave the town to be destroyed and submerged by the waters of the Cimarron. In June 1959, registered voters went to the polls to make the decision resulting in a vote of 83-10 in favor of relocation. From this decision, laws preventing the township from purchasing land for the move, and like minded business people the creation of New Mannford Enterprise Corp, a non-profit corporation that sold stock to those who wanted to see the town moved, came to be. It was the members of this corporation who took the initiative to obtain a charter, buy land, and make a plan for the relocation of Mannford.

The new town location was selected and is just over five miles east from the original. Bud Reed, town board member and eventual mayor to both Old and New Mannford, recounts a meeting held between Robert Kerr — who was a senator at the time, Colonel Penny of the USACE, and himself. “We set up another

10

meeting and Senator Kerr sat on our side of the table and told Penny the government was forcing the town to move so he should get with it and bend over backwards to help get the town moved.” We finally got $600,500 for the city,” he writes in Mannford Through the Years: Our First Centennial History, a book available at the Mannford Library and for sale at the Mannford Museum.

According to him, residents of the old town gave USACE members quite a bit of trouble when they started to buy up property, including Reed’s own mother. The issues ranged from individuals not wanting to move to not feeling as if they were receiving a fair price from the purchasing. In the end, each resident had to either compromise or move before the coming of the dam.

One of the first buildings to be placed in the new town was the school. The last graduating class of Old Mannford was in 1962, with 16 seniors. At this time, the town census totaled the residence at about 350.

Following the school, NMEC members continued to progress the needed infrastructure for the new townsite. July of 1963 was set as the official shut-off date for all municipal utilities in Old Mannford.

By the time it was all said and done, the city owned the gas, water, and electric by law – meaning the new town was ready for residents.

March of 1962, Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Adsit became the first residents of New Mannford, the couple had a new home built for them. The month following Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bartley owned the first home to be moved from one townsite to the other.

Move Mannford

Other milestones in 1962 for New Mannford included the municipal building opening for business in January, the installation of street signs in February,and on June 7, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred L. Neal became the new editors of the Mannford newspaper.

The relocated SH51 was opened in July, and the Baptist Church groundbreaking took place on July 29. The first day of classes for the new school began on August 19 with enrollment at 355.

Mannford is extolled as the first comprehensively

planned relocated town in Oklahoma’s history, according to museum records.

Since the move, New Mannford has shown continued persistence through all sorts of rough waters. The population has continued to climb from 350 in the 60s to over 3,000 on the 2010 census repor -- a prosperity which must be credited somewhat to the waters that led to the necessity of a move to begin with.

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13

Underwater towns

By DeAnna Maddox

T

he town of Keystone was literally wiped from the map by its namesake nearly half a century ago. Submerged to the depths in its entirety following the building of the Keystone Dam under the supervision of the US Army Corps of Engineers it succumbed to a watery grave.

However, the eponym of Keystone Lake was not the only town Overcome by the creation of the dam = the original townsites of Appalachia and Mannford were both predicted to be fully immersed once the dam was built. All of these too often forgotten small towns have a rich history and had a once promising future. It is even rumored a few Dalton-Doolin members found their way to these areas for a good time and a great hideout in the caves along what is now the lake shoreline. Within the pages of the Keystone Reservoir General Design Memorandum created by USACE members in December of 1955 it is stated the estimated residency of all possibly affected areas was about 3,000.

The Keystone area had been used in the 1800s for travelers on their way to the great west and the original Fort Arbuckle, which was government maintained at the time. In fact, its name came from its key positioning at the crosswaters of the Cimarron and Arkansas Rivers. A position which would in time be perfect for the building of the dam that would soon assure the town’s demise. Keystone Dam was built two miles from the mouth of the Cimarron River, 14 miles west of Tulsa, and just over a mile from the Keystone community. It may not have been a thriving metropolis, with an estimated population count of a whopping 228 in 1950, but it certainly had potential.

The community boasted various

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businesses - Queal Drugstore, Nigh’s Cafe where they “specialize in sirloin steaks and fried chicken”, Lang’s Grocery and Market, Zickfoose Hardware, Dewey’s Service Station with no phone but exclaims everyone “come and see us”, Kurtz Garage, and Bill’s Cliff Tavern with “plenty of cool drinks” – as evidenced by predam Mannford 1958 yearbook advertisements.

Less reputable establishments, more commonly known as brothels, have been said to be the main attraction of the Keystone area a century prior. These cathouses drew the attention of every sort – oilfield roughnecks, cowboys, and river gamblers to name a few. Of course, that was before the installation of a post office in 1902, making it an official township. The township spanned 60 years with its extensive progress peaking with an estimated population of 500 when its growth was abruptly doused.

Another area with about a 60 year lifespan was Appalachia. With an estimated population of 140 during the 1955 study created by the USACE, this town’s charm lay with its history.

According to online documentation of a 1937 interview with a Sherman Ackley, the formation of this town wasn’t from an oil boom but a saloon boom instead. In 1903, the Monarch Investment Company from Kansas City had the grand idea

to build a town in Oklahoma Territory much to the gratification of thirsty residents a few hundred feet away living in Indian Territory to the south and east.

A town which would be considered wet long before the waters submerged it.

You see, Indian Territory at the time was considered to be “dry” land, as in an area where the sale of alcohol was nonexistent (or at least illegal) due to prohibition, Appalachia on the other hand was not. “Homes at the best were not much more than shacks, and most frequently tents - not ne saloons. Soon there were seven of them flourishing. Some rather makeshift some only in tents.

So Appalachia was born,” the Ackley interviewer writes. Supplies were delivered by wagon trains to the nearest point on a railroad which happened to be Pawnee - 50 miles away, requiring over a day and a half of travel to make the trip. A swinging bridge across the Cimarron was constructed by Ackley in 1889, which allowed an easier trip for customers.

Although easier may not be the correct term when discussing patrons making the trip home after over indulgence in the saloons of Appalachia. People from all around came to quench their thirst at the small town’s main business before the dam created a drought.

Mannford was the last remaining town predicted to be fully inundated by water following the building of the dam in the initial USACE study. It was also the largest with a census of 426 in 1950 – a rise from 421 from the first census in 1930. The town name was derived from an area which was once used to safely cross the Cimarron River, owned by Thomas and Hazel Mann - Mann’s Ford. This earthen area was used in the summer and fall while water levels were low. However, in the spring

when heavy rain created treacherously high levels a ferry was used for transportation in the late 1800s.

Not much is known about what is now referred to as Old Mannford prior to its incorporation in 1903 but what came after is just as fascinating. Prior to township the area had a school, grocery store, and drug store – following the establishment of the post office a train station was built which led to the steady growth of the area. An oil discovery well was drilled in 1907, the same year the Mannford Enterprise newspaper came to be. Just over ten years later the Pioneer Telephone Company, Mannford Oil and Gas Company, a flour mill, a hotel, and a restaurant had all developed and flourished. The pinnacle of the town’s progress was clear with the landmark Mannford State Bank built in 1906.

These areas remain somewhat relevant to the multitude of lake visitors. You can visit the original townsite of Mannford by following Old Hwy 48 and turning down 11th Street to the ramp named after it, now blocked off by a rusty bridge, converted to a hunting and fishing area. The town of Appalachia has been replaced by the recreational Appalachia Bay. The boat ramp, appropriately titled Keystone Ramp, along with picnic and camping areas have replaced the area’s namesake. During the dry season - late July, early August - if the rain has held off, as it so often does in Oklahoma, you can visit the lake and if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of history.

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FIERCE STUNNING LOCAL JUST LIKE YOU.

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B

Hiking/Trail Safety eing out on the boat all day has you tired of the water and you have finally decided to trade your sandals

in for a pair of hiking boots and hit the trails. But hiking isn’t just as simple as walking up a trail and looking at all the beauties nature has to offer. It takes hours of preparation, and you may want to consider taking an experienced hiker with you. First, you should look over the different trails and see which one best suits you.

Hiking trails come in all different shapes and sizes from easier, shorter trails to harder, longer trails. Inside Keystone State Park, there are four Keystone trails, the Green, Blue, Red and Black Loops. The Green and Blue Loops will be the shortest and easiest trails with both being about a mile long. The Red Loop is where it gets a little longer, with that trail being 3.7 miles long and a little bit more difficult. The Black Loop is the longest of the four at 4.4 miles long. What most people may not consider is how much time you actually need to spend preparing, especially if it is your first hike. Food and water are obviously essential for a hiking trip, but make sure you are eating those snacks from time to time and drinking that water to maintain your energy. You can lose energy fast and become very tired, especially on a sweltering day on a hilly trail. When it comes to snacks you should really consider what you are bringing with you on your journey. Don’t just pick out your favorite pack of fruit snacks and some candy and think you are all set. The best types of hiking snacks are ones that will keep you energized as you go. Snacks such as trail mix, granola bars and some fresh or dried fruit are among the best options. Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is comfortability. When it comes to hiking you want to find yourself a nice, comfortable pair of hiking boots. Not doing this could result in blistered feet and a day full of regret. Also make sure to bring things like sunblock, bug spray and even a first aid kit in case of emergency. Now that you’re prepared and ready to go, hit the trails and take in everything nature has to offer.

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Ranger Trail

takes about 30 minutes to complete. It’s a great place for birding and is normally uncrowded.

This 1.3-mile loop trail inside Keystone State Park is considered an easy route that

Discover this 2.3-mile loop trail built for off road vehicles, which makes it a nice trail for mountain biking or even hiking on quieter days. It combines hilly terrain with sandy tracks closer to the river.

White Water ORV Trail

Just below the dam on the north side of the Arkansas River, Keystone Fitness Tail, maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is an easy one mile loop with fitness stations along the way. The trail offers lots of wildlife viewing opportunities and dogs are allowed if on a leash.

Keystone Fitness Trail

Deer Trail A simple, short, 1.2 mile trail inside the campground near Pier 51 Marina that is popular with mountain bikes.

Keystone Trails Keystone single track trails About 200 yards north and east of the SH 151 entrance to Keystone State Park is the entrance to Keystone Single Track Trails.

Combining a 1.8-mile loop trail that takes an average of 43 min to complete on foot, with a 4.2-mile loop trail that can take an average of 1 hour 37 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages the trails.

Two Rivers Trail

This is a 2.3-mile loop trail near the north end of Keystone Dam. The route is moderately challenging and takes approximately an hour to complete. Follow yellow markers and wear sturdy hiking shoes. There are several steep inclines and declines. Views are spectacular and there are ample opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Keystone Ancient Forest Falls Trail

Enjoy this 5.1-mile loop trail near Prue, Oklahoma. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and trail running.

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Gusher The

Keystone Harbor

A

Keystone Harbor boasts state of the art covered docks, a well stocked ship’s store and the Harbor Grill, an awardwinning restaurant, right in Mannford’s backyard. Choose from their quality selection of rental boats and personal watercraft. A full-service fuel dock and nearby repair facilities round out the marina’s offerings. Campsites on their 25-acre grounds range from primitive to full hook-up pull throughs. If you didn’t bring a camper, they have some for rent.

Marinas 22

Pier 51 Located in Keystone State Park, Pier 51 offers covered slip rentals ranging in size from 20 to 90 feet, boat rentals, repair and maintenance services, a fuel dock, a fully stocked marina store, and Winn’s on the Water restaurant. Aside from offering full on-the-water marina services, Pier 51 is a new and used boat dealer.

Salt Creek

South of SH 51 in the Salt Creek arm of the lake, Salt Creek Marina offers dependable and capable maintenance and repair services for your boat, covered slip rentals, a general store and bait shop, a launch ramp, a 24-hour fishing dock and RV camp sites.

23

Lake Time: Fun, but safe K

By Kaleb Tadpole

ids are getting out of school and that muggy Oklahoma

safety should always come first, no matter how old you are

heat is starting to ramp up, that could only mean one thing,

“Put yourself in that position where if you have your kids,

summertime is almost here. With that being said, many

yes you want to put them in a life jacket to keep them safe.

people will be looking to get their vacation fix right here in

But they need you too, they need you to come home, U.S

the Sooner State. With many different campsites, hiking

Army Corp of Engineers natural resource management

trails and boat docks, Keystone State Park is a suitable

specialist Abby Jones said. “We want everyone to go

place for a weekend getaway or that week-long camping

home, so think about those things, you are never too old to

trip with friends and family. But with all that exciting fun,

wear a life jacket.”

Water Saftey

Y

ou have been out on the water

There is only one designated swim area

all day, riding around, fishing and even

in Keystone Lake, located in Washinton

tubing, but it is starting to get hot, and

Irving South. You can swim anywhere you

you are looking for a place to cool off

want in the lake, but know it is at your own

with a nice swim. You anchor out in the

risk. If you are not anchored out in the

middle of a cove, and everyone jumps

water, there is a good chance you stopped

overboard into the lake. While this may

and docked your boat at one of the many

seem like a harmless activity, tragedies

different beaches around Keystone Lake.

can always occur. You never know how

In this case you have a good idea of how

deep the water will be. The average

deep the water you are swimming in is.

depth of the water in Keystone Lake

But you should still consider wearing a life

is 24 feet deep with the deepest parts

jacket and definitely have your kids wear

going up to 73 feet deep. It is crucial to

one as there are no active lifeguards at any

wear your life jacket when swimming in

of the beaches. You should also consider

these parts, even the most experienced

wearing some sort of water shoes or

swimmers can have issues swimming

something to protect your feet. This may

when they are tired. Stay near the boat,

not be a priority for some people, but it

it is much easier for another boat on

definitely should be. Jagged rocks or sharp

the water to see your boat than you, if

sticks can be the source of a dreadful day

someone is swimming in the middle of

for unprotected feet. If you are going for a

the water, there’s a chance the driver

swim, wear your life jacket, protect your

may not see them, and an accident could

feet, know your limits and have a great

occur.

time.

24

Boating Safety

S

o, you have loaded up your ice chest,

aired up the tubes, cleaned the boat and you are almost ready to hit the lake for a day of boating fun. But before you put that vessel in the water, make sure you have covered all your bases. Do you have the required amount of life jackets? According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, every boat is required to have one life jacket for every person on board.

You never know what could happen, so having that safety measure is essential.

While you must have the personal floatation devices on hand, only children 12 and under are required to wear one at all times. Another requirement is that all boats using flammable liquid as fuel must be equipped with a fire extinguisher in case of emergency. Now it’s time to put that boat in the water, but safety doesn’t stop when the fun starts. If alcohol makes its way onto the vessel at some point, it is always important to designate a nondrinking driver. When on the water, alcohol has a much greater effect, one alcoholic beverage on the boat is equal to about three on land. The impairing effects will be much harsher and with other people drinking as well, it could easily become a recipe for disaster. Do know that alcohol continues to be the leading cause of boating accidents. No one wants a fun day out on the water to quickly turn into an accidental nightmare, ruining the day

water is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Know that you are not the only person driving a boat, and there is a high chance you will cross paths with another one at some point. It is important for passengers to not impede the driver’s line of sight and alert the driver of any nearby vessels or things in the way.

“Be aware of your surroundings, there could be stuff under the water that you cannot see if the water is up such as, picnic tables, trees, that type of stuff,” Jones said. We just remind people to be aware of your surroundings, just because you can’t see it, it could be there.” There are certain boating terms that can help you better understand the laws of the water and ensure you have a safe time out on the lake. It is important to know starboard from port side, starboard refers to the right side of your boat and port is the left side.

When coming head on toward another boat, to avoid collision both boats must stay toward the starboard, or right, side. If two boats are crossing paths, the one on the left stays its course while the one on the right adjusts accordingly. Therefore, it is imminent to always stay alert. Cars are not the only vehicles that can get in an accident, in fact, boating accidents occur much more often than you think. In 2020 alone, the Coast Guard reported 5,265 accidents that resulted in 767 deaths and 3,191 injuries as a result of recreational boating accidents.

for everyone. One of the most important things to remember when out on the

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That's right its a "World" Record J

By Kaleb Tadpole ust two years removed from catching a would-be world

back into the boat. For Mefford, he was no stranger to this particular

record paddlefish, Jerimah Mefford had done it again. Mefford

paddlefish as he had caught the same one just two years prior. “We

operates a guide service, Reel Good Time Guide Service,

had caught her back in February of 2019 and she was 157 pounds,”

where he takes people out to enjoy a trip on the lake, taking

Mefford said. “Which then would have been a new world record but

people out to the best spots in hopes of catching some good

back then they had laws on Mondays and Fridays that you were

paddlefish. Snagging the behemoth of a fish with the help of

not allowed to do anything with the fish.” State laws had previously

Grant Rader of Wichita, Kansas, the two pulled in a new world

kept the paddlefish out of the record books. But two years later she’s

record, 164-pound paddlefish out of Keystone Lake in June of

back again, this time seven pounds heavier. Mefford and Reel Good

2021. The best part about it for 18-year-old Rader, it was his

Time Guide Service are familiar with record setting paddlefish as he

birthday, giving him the best birthday present and something

has caught four record paddlefish so far. The first one being a state

he had been hoping for since the moment he stepped foot on

record 143-pound paddlefish that would be broken just a month later

the boat. “The night before, since he turned 18, they went over

by Mefford and James Lukehart, pulling in a 146.11-pound state

to the casino and won about $1,000 dollars,” Mefford said “He

record and their first world record paddlefish. The last ones were a

comes on the boat that morning and from the moment I met

151.9-pound paddlefish caught by Cory Waters and the 164-pound

him all he talked about was catching a world record paddlefish.”

paddlefish caught just last year. With the help of Mefford and his guide

In Mefford’s mind, while that was possible, it was definitely no

service, Rader had a birthday he is likely to never forget. “It was a fun

guarantee that on that day they would be able to pull in such

day, pretty exciting out there, we were having a fun day as it was,”

a colossal fish. But just like Rader said, they had done it. One

Mefford said. “I think he had already caught three over 100 (pounds)

would expect a fish of that size to put up a huge fight, but Mefford

prior to that fish. He had him a once in a lifetime birthday, I was just

says that the fish became so tangled in the line, it barely put

fortunate enough to be a part of it all.”

up a fight at all. The hardest part, pulling all 164 pounds of it

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Happy camping Camping at Keystone covers the entire spectrum. If you want to pitch your tent in the sand and live out of a Coleman cooler, you’re covered. If you’ve a 40’ RV with a half dozen slideouts, you’re covered.

Washington Irving Located on the Arkansas arm of Keystone Lake, Washington Irving South is a favorite among locals looking to escape for the weekend. In Washington Irving’s book, “A Tour of the Prairies,” he forged the Arkansas River around the area. The lake’s bluegreen water, beautiful natural surroundings and wide variety of recreational opportunities make it a popular location for yearround fun. The well-shaded campground contains 16 reservable campsites, some with electric and water. There is a boat ramp, dock, swim beach and one-mile nature trail. Restrooms and showers are on site.

Feyodi Creek

Feyodi Creek State Park in Cleveland offers camping. Pack your tent and take advantage of all the facilities this park has including primitive sites. If RV camping is more your style there are full hookups along with restrooms and showers. The park also has hiking trails, a driving range, opportunities for disc golf, a volleyball court, a playground for the kids, picnic shelters, a boat ramp and an amphitheater.

Appalachia Bay

Another US Army Corps of Engineers recreation area, Appalachia Bay Campground hosts 16 primitive camping sites that — set your alarm early — are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. They do not accept bookings. There is a boat ramp and dock with ample parking for trucks and boat trailers. Most sites have grills and tables and there are restrooms available as well.

Appalachia Bay also provides access to the popularAppalachia Bay Off Road Vehicle Area on a strip of sand and trees embraced by the winding arm of the Cimarron River Channel. Off roaders must adhere to a set of rules when operating ORVs: Vehicles must be nor more than 52” wide, many of the trails trails are too narrow to be navigated by larger ATV’s. Riding is only allowed in the designated areas. ATV’s may be operated from the gravel parking lot and campsites to the island traveling at idle speeds only. The off road vehicle area is a popular spot among local boaters due to its extensive sandy beaches.

Walnut Creek Nestled along the north shore of Keystone Lake near Prue, Walnut Creek Recreation Area is surrounded by sandy beaches, high bluffs, native grasses, rock outcrops and rolling hills. Along with camping, boating, and day use opportunities, the park also includes 17 miles of trail for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian access. Administered and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Walnut Creek boasts 41 campsites ranging from primitive tent camping to full RV hookups. Amenities include a covered pavilion, boat ramp, bath house with restrooms and showers.

New Mannford Ramp

Three different campground areas, administered by the City of Mannford at Keystone Harbor are open year round and provide over 150 campsites ranging from primitive camping to full electric, water and sewer, 40 full hookups, 10 pull-throughs. Five group picnic pavilions are available for public rental. Picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park for day use. Bathrooms and showers are available and nearby Harbor Marina offers grocery, bait, and a full service floating restaurant.

Keystone State Park

Just south of Keystone Dam is Keystone State Park. Campers can choose from 22 sites that range from primitive tent camping, 30- and 50-amp RV spaces and rental cabins. Pier 51 Marina is within the park and has two boat ramps, boat rentals a fuel dock, full service restaurant and groceries.

Osage Point

Just outside the town of Osage on the north shore of the Arkansas arm is Osage Creek Recreation Area. Administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Osage Point boasts 14 primitive campsites and a gravel boat ramp.

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of the newer attractions in the Tulsa area O neis the Jellystone Park at Keystone Lake,

whose amenities include two, 200-foot-long water slides as well as a floating water park playground that includes climbing structures, obstacle courses, slides and floating trampolines.

The park also features an activity pool with basketball and volleyball sections and floating toys as well as a kiddie splash pool with spray features and mini water slides.

“Jellystone Park is a great place for children and families to cool off while making memories to last a lifetime,” said a spokesperson from Jellystone National Park. “While we are a family friendly campground with RV and tent sites, we also have a lot of people who just come out for the day from the Tulsa area to enjoy our water attractions and see what our Jellystone Park has to offer.”

Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the Jellystone Park at Keystone Lake offers shaded, sunny and lakefront campsites as well as sand beaches.

Keystone Lake is a man made 25,000 acre recreation lake with over 300 miles of pristine shoreline. The park is located just off Highway 51 and is 18 miles west of Tulsa.

For reservations and for more information, please visit www.keystondlakeip.com.

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Most of our cabins have all of the essentials you need for making a fun meal. If you’re tent camping, we also have some easy camping recipes and delicious suggestions to help you enjoy the most of your family camping time! The essence of campfire cooking is simplicity: limit the number of ingredients in a dish; cut down on the implements you use to prepare the dish; use foil where you can to replace pots and pans. And enjoy.

Camp recipes your whole family will love Cup of Dirt • • • •

You’ll Need: Chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, gummy worms.

Directions: Spoon chocolate pudding into dessert cups. Place crushed cookies and gummy worms on top.

Banana Butterfly

• You’ll Need: • 2 pretzel twists, 2 raisins, 2 apple slices • Directions: • Peel banana and use for the butterfly body. Then press pretzel twists (wings) into sides of banana. Use raisins for eyes and apple slices for antennae. Recipe from superhealthykids.com

Chocolate Bird Nests

• You’ll Need: • 8 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped • 2-2.5 cups chow mein noodles • Small jelly beans, speckled malted milk eggs, or other egg-shaped candy • Directions: • Line a baking pan with a piece of aluminum foil, smooth the foil, and then butter or spray the foil with a non-stick vegetable spray. Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.

Gently fold in the chow mein noodles, being careful not to break them. Spoon six mounds of the mixture onto the prepared pan and, using your fingers, form each mound into a 4” (10 cm) nest shape. Make a small indentation in the center of each nest. Place the pan, with the chocolate nests, in the refrigerator to set (about 30 minutes).

Just before serving, remove the nests from the refrigerator and place some small jelly beans or other egg-shaped candy in the center of each nest. Makes about six 4” nests. Prep time: 30 minutes. Recipe from joyofbaking.com.

Doughboys

• You’ll need: • Refrigerated biscuits • Squeeze margarine • Cinnamon sugar • A fat wooden stick, a campfire, foil • Directions: • Take your fat wooden stick (a broomstick works well) and cover it with foil. Next take one biscuit and wrap it around the end of the stick so that it forms an inverted cup. Roast your biscuit over the campfire until cooked. Pull the biscuit off the stick and turn it over. Pour some margarine and cinnamon sugar inside. Enjoy! This recipe has been a tradition at Jellystone Park Gloucester Point, Virginia for years.

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30

Fishing W

ith summer right around the corner many local

Oklahoma residents may be gearing up for a fishing trip to local Keystone Lake. Keystone is home to many different species of fish with some of the most notable being largemouth bass, white crappie, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish. Other species include bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, striped bass and paddlefish. Enjoy the over 300 miles of shoreline from your own bass boat, kayak or other watercraft looking for that fishing hot spot. Keystone Lake also offers boat rentals at marinas around the lake if you are looking to get that fishing fix in from the comfort of a vessel, even if you don’t own one. You can also enjoy fishing from the shoreline surrounding the lake if you prefer not to be in a boat.

There are several stores, bait shops and campgrounds surrounding the lake to satisfy any of your laketime needs. Each species of fish can be caught in many different ways. For largemouth bass in Keystone, they typically fair well on crankbait, jerk bait, plastic baits or spinner baits. These lunkers can be found hiding out near docks, sets of rocky structures, in standing timber or weed beds. You can also find

By Kaleb Tadpole

and minnows as bait tends to do the job. White bass in Keystone Lake move in schools and follow bait fish. When not feeding they are elusive, hiding in and around brush structures, in coves, creek channels and around boat docks. If you are looking to do some catfish fishing, you are in luck because Keystone is home to channel, blue and flathead catfish. going after blue or channel cats, fish the bottom with your favorite dough bait, punch bait, chicken liver, or live bait. Vary the water depth you are fishing until you start getting action and you can dial in a good days worth of fun.

Did you reel in a catfish but aren’t quite sure which species it is? When trying to tell the difference between the channels and blues, the first indication is simply the size. blue catfish can grow far larger in length and weight. Channel cats will grow anywhere from 12-24 inches and weigh 15-40 pounds, while blues can easily double that size anywhere from 3060 inches and 40-80 pounds. They key difference is by simply looking at its anal fin. The anal fin on a Channel Catfish will have about 30 rays or less on it, while the blue catfish’s fin has an average of 30-35 rays on it.

Blue cats are also... well... blue

them in creek channels, near sandbars or the shoreline. When fishing for white bass, using jigs 31

You gotta' follow the rules H

ere is a look at the size requirements and maximum number of fish that can be kept each day per species of fish. List features fish that can be found in Keystone Lake.

Black/White Crappie: 37 combined with no size limit.

Channel/Blue Catfish: 15 combined with only one Blue Catfish over 30 inches.

Striped Bass: Limit of 5 with no size limit.

White Bass: No Limit or size limit.

Largemouth Bass: Limit of 6 with a 14-inch minimum.

Smallmouth Bass: Limit of 6 with a 14-inch minimum.

Alligator Gar: Limit of 1 with no size limit.

Paddlefish: Annual limit of 2.

Make sure to read all rules and regulations regarding Paddlefish on the wildlife department’s website.

Now that you know what’s in the water, and the regulations that apply, gear up and GO FISHING!

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Largemouth Bass

Striped Bass

White Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Paddlefish black Crappie Channel Catfish Blue Catfish

Alligator Gar

White Crappie

33

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Hunting H

unting at Keystone Lake is in accordance with applicable Federal and State fish and wildlife regulations. Generally, all Corps lands are open to the public for hunting except developed recreational areas and around the dam and other structures.

Persons wishing to obtain current hunting regulations on Corps lands must contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 74105 (405) 521-2739.

Hunters are urged to exercise the basic rules of good sportsmanship, safety, and common sense.

Vehicles may be driven only on established roads. Camping is restricted to designated sites.

Additional information and copies of regulations governing use of the Keystone Lake outlined in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulation may be obtained at the Keystone Lake Office, (918) 865-2621 or from the Tulsa District Office, Corps of Engineers, 1645 S. 101 E. Ave, Tulsa, OK 74128.

(918) 669-7370.

Hunting maps are also available on the Tulsa District’s Webpage at www.swt.usace.army.mil

36

A

s a result of cooperative arrangements between the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers, several tracts have been made available to Oklahoma sportsmen for restricted hunting. With the exception of the special restrictions outlined below, all provisions of the Oklahoma Hunting Regulations for Corps of Engineers lands are applicable on these areas.

The following areas are open for hunting of all species which may legally be taken during legal open seasons by shotgun with pellets and bow and arrow only.

1) A 200-acre unit south of Highway 51 on Bakers Branch.

2) A 530-acre unit north of New Mannford Ramp Area.

3) A 100-acre unit north & south of the Pawnee Cove Access Point.

4) A 200-acre unit in the Old Mannford Ramp area.

5) A 480-acre unit east of the Cimarron Park Area.

6) A 120-acre unit west & south of the Sinnett Cemetery and south of the Old Keystone Road.

7) A 200-acre unit on the west side of the north end of the U.S. Highway 64 Bridge.

8) A 280-acre unit on the south side of the road ending at Washington Irving North.

9) A 460-acre unit including land north & south of the Cowskin North Recreation Area.

10) A 135-acre unit on the west side of Walnut Creek.

A 570-acre unit south of the town of Prue is open for hunting of all species which may legally be taken during legal open seasons by archery only.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING Mannford Lake Life Festival – Saturday, August 20 : Food, entertainment, kids activities, th

fishing, etc.

Keystone Lake Firework Show – Dates TBD Cleveland Annual Classic and Muscle Car Swap Meet and Car Show – September 9th-September 11th.

Cleveland Pioneer Day – September 17 : Parade, 5K run, rodeo, vendors, etc.

Cleveland CimTel Classic 5K Run – August 26 Sand Springs T. Bone Mcdonald Annual Golf Classic at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge th

th

– July 30th

Sand Springs T-Town Rollout 18+ - August 12 -14 th

DJ’s, food trucks and games.

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th

: Indoor and outdoor skating sessions with

T

T-Rise Ranch Relaxed Casual Country Chic Venue and Lodging Near Keystone Lake/ Mannford TalithaRiseVenue.com 918-240-9438 TalithaRiseVenue@gmail.com